history of collegiate dancesport clubs

[TAK]

For an assignment for class, I'm trying to track down the history of collegiate dancesport clubs, and I'm having some trouble. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

I assume they must have started in Britain. The Oxford club has a "history" section on its website saying it is 40 years old -- which I am guessing makes it older than any US club -- and that the inspiration for the club came from the founder's brother's own club at the University of Liverpool. So Liverpool's club pre-dates Oxford's. Anyone happen to know which club is the oldest of all?

Bit of a shot in the dark, but you all are a pretty knowledgeable bunch. Thanks for any info you can give me!

 

[LindyKeya]

I would wager BYU's is older. Probably by decades. I know they've had a team for longer, but am not completely certain about a club.

 

[Iolane]

Yes, I believe BYU says they are 50 years old.

 

[White Chacha]

I think that in the greater Boston area, Harvard is credited with having the first competitive team. There was some comp activity at MIT starting in the late 1980s apparently, among members of the ballroom club. In the 90s a separate team was started.

Maybe there is archive material available via USA Dance (USABDA) YCN?

 

[TAK]

Thanks so much, everyone! BYU seems to be the right answer. WC, I tried the YCN website first but couldn't find anything there.

 

[White Chacha]

Thanks so much, everyone! BYU seems to be the right answer. WC, I tried the YCN website first but couldn't find anything there.

Visiting the web site is probably too passive. You should try contacting folks there and digging a bit. The web is good for pointers, but for real info you often have to dig.

 

[tangotime]

I would wager BYU's is older. Probably by decades. I know they've had a team for longer, but am not completely certain about a club.

If I,m not mistaken, Roy Mavor was one of their 1st coaches..

it has several notable alums .. among them, Ronnie Montez.

Famous for their formation teams ( the 1st Amer. one to win at B/Pool )

 

[Another Elizabeth]

I think that in the greater Boston area, Harvard is credited with having the first competitive team. There was some comp activity at MIT starting in the late 1980s apparently, among members of the ballroom club. In the 90s a separate team was started.

There was also an MIT formation team sometime in the 70's, I believe. I think Dan Radler was on it - you could ask him for details.